Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Byrd Theatre, Richmond, Va. Now Operating as Non-Profit

This is topic Byrd Theatre, Richmond, Va. Now Operating as Non-Profit in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=005082

Posted by Bill Enos (Member # 440) on 05-06-2007, 10:45 PM:

After several years of negotiations with the building owners and the most recent operator, the Byrd Theatre Foundation assumed operation of the theatre under its LLC, 1928 Limited, on Monday April 30 at 5:00PM. The transition was seemless and other than the removal of some furniture owned by the last operator went unnoticed by the public.

The foundation intends to continue operation as it has been for many years 7 days a week with film and occasional special events and some extra events as fund and awareness raisers.

After nearly 79 years of continuous operation most things are pretty tired but still functional. First the roof will be completely replaced, then when funds are available the seats will go, and while the seats are out, and the auditorium is clear the plaster will receive some much needed TLC as will the paint, and a lot of dusting and cleaning will get done. Upgrades to the electrical system, and public safety systems will take place along with other work. Regular operation will continue as much as possible through out the work.

The organ will be rebuilt or refurbished at some point but there a lot of things that are much more important to the continued operation of the theatre. We will probably do it ourselves since it would be many thousands of dollars cheaper and it will continue to play while we do the work. Additionally, when the few rebuilders of theatre organs get their hands on them they rarely come back sounding the same and it always takes a very long time, often several years, I know of one that a well known shop has had 6 years, we can't wait that long.

Meanwhile it's business a usual.

[ 05-07-2007, 07:19 PM: Message edited by: Bill Enos ]

Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 05-07-2007, 12:10 AM:

Good on you Bill. Hope it all goes well.

[thumbsup]

Posted by Cory Isemann (Member # 2517) on 05-07-2007, 05:03 PM:

Bill, cool! I keep meaning to stop by if I'm in town on the weekends..

Posted by Kenneth Wuepper (Member # 1174) on 05-08-2007, 06:19 AM:

Congratulations Bill,

You have entered a new world of operation. The profit motive will be replaced with volunteer enthusiasm and everyone will have the same worthy goal, "Let's make this theatre work!"

You have my support.

KEN